Oliver Larkin seized my attention the moment he announced his congressional campaign. A DSA member challenging a Zionist incumbent in the South is sure to turn heads. But it was Larkin’s bold socialism that excited me.
Running in a red state, typical political wisdom would encourage Oliver Larkin to avoid the socialist label like the plague. As the last three decades of Democratic politics show, the establishment always pushes candidates to become Republican Lite — the Diet Coke version of conservative Coca Cola. But this doesn’t work. Certainly not in Florida, where the state’s Democratic Party has run former Republican Charlie Crist for governor twice out of the last three election cycles. Just like when choosing a soft drink, voters chose the real thing and went with the Republicans.
But Oliver Larkin isn’t listening to the political consultants. Not only is he endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, but he’s also letting voters know he’s a proud member. In the clip below, Oliver articulates the theory of democratic socialism. Socialism isn’t just winning Medicare For All or a higher minimum wage (though those are crucial). It’s about giving people control over the economy, the government, and our lives.
The benefit of the socialist worldview is that it’s correct. The pain voters are feeling across the country — high gas prices, ridiculous healthcare costs, another foreign war — is downstream of America’s undemocratic political and economic system. South Florida isn’t typically where we hear the socialist solution. But it’s the area where it is most needed.
There’s no denying Oliver Larkin has a tough race ahead of him. After the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, Republicans redistricted his race from a Harris-voting to a Trump-voting district. And he is challenging Jared Moskowitz, arguably the most pro-Israel Democrat, who will be flush with AIPAC cash. But being the underdog is a familiar spot for the left. He’ll need our help to win. But with the Iran War dragging on and the progressive left winning more and more victories, Larkin’s chances are looking better and better.
I’m extremely thankful for Oliver Larkin’s time. I suggest you watch the interview above. It’ll show you why I’m excited to support him.
In Solidarity — Joe
